FNPS 2010 Conference

By Bruce Vanderveen

Imagine an early morning hike through the mists of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, a hike led by a renowned Florida State University botany professor. Imagine two days of camaraderie with fellow native plant enthusiasts. Imagine seminars on ecology, community and the latest native plant research.

Then, imagine social events every evening, events with outdoor dining, dancing. Relaxing soirees in exotic locations such as the 22nd floor of the state capital building, the Tall Timbers Research Station, and the San Luis Mission in Tallahassee.

But no . . . it wasn't a dream. It all really happened in the middle of May at the Florida Native Plant 2010 Conference in Tallahassee.

Linda and I were privileged to attend the conference this year for two, all too short, days. It was one of the most enjoyable of the five conferences I have attended (and the others were all good!).

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge Field Trip

It all started at the Otter Lakes Picnic area of the St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge at 8:30 in the morning.  The Otter Lakes area is near the quaint village of Panacea. Dr. Loren Anderson (see photo left) led us for approximately 3 miles through pine flat lands, sand hills and pond habitats.  Native plant species encountered included Sundews (Drosera sp.), St. John's Wort (Hypericum sp.), Candyroot (Polygala nana), and many others. Inkberry, aka Gallberry (Ilex glabra) was in full bloom.


After a picnic lunch under the pavilions we car pooled the small town of Sopchoppy and viewed False Dragonhead (Physostegia purpurea [see photo]) ,  Bearded Grasspink (Calopogon barbatus), Yellow Colicroot (Aletris lutea), and the Ogeechee tupelo (Nyssa ogeche).

Dr. Anderson, leader of the trip, is professor emeritus from Florida State University (FSU) and a native plant expert. Seeing the Ogeehee Tupelo, a species I had never before seen, was a real treat for me.  False Dragonhead was growing and blossoming profusely along the river near Sopchoppy.

Thursday Night "Meet and Greet"

Thursday evening is the traditional "Meet and Greet".  We went through security, up the elevator to the top 22nd floor capital building with its panoramic views of Tallahassee in all directions.

A light meal of spinach salad, couscous, and a special vegetable herb chicken salad was delicious!  Everyone received two drink tickets from the cash bar which offered wine, beer and mixed drinks (more drinks were available for cash).  As always, the drinks helped break the ice and made it easy to make new friends.

After eating, a lively "plant jeopardy" contest was held.  We were on Team A.  Unfortunately, "Team A" was edged out by "Team B" headed by Dr. Walter Taylor.  Dr. Taylor came over after the event to express his condolences to me on our loss (Yeah right!).

The only glitch came on leaving, we exited at the wrong floor and spent 10 extra minutes wandering the empty halls of state capital building.  I figured security would hunt us down at any time but we managed to find the exit before being apprehended.

Friday and Saturday "Breakout" Sessions

Friday morning found us walking 1/2 mile or so to the cavernous Leon County Civic Center  which featured native plant sales, breakout sessions (seminars), and workshops.  You can pick sessions depending on your interest. Four major themes were featured: Ecology, Community, Research, and FNPS administrative activities .

My favorite session was Dr. Bruce Means' presentation on "The Wild Wild World of the Florida Panhandle" which detailed the panhandle's amazing diversity of native plants.  Ice age remnant populations include species such as columbine, trillium, and others. Other unique species found only in the area include the Florida yew and the endangered Torreya Pine.

Friday Night Social at Tall Timbers Research Station

Twenty miles north of Tallahassee lies the Tall Timbers Research station.  The "Tall Timbers"  part comes from giant Short Leaf  pine (Pinus echinata) on the grounds.  Short leaf pine does not occur naturally in peninsular Florida but grows from the Tallahassee area west to the Ozarks in Arkansas and north to southern New York.

After a hot day, the evening social was cool and pleasant at Tall Timbers. Outside tables were set up and a live band "The Weeds" provided entertainment.  Many people danced the night away.  The meal of fish, barbecue chicken, beans was delicious.  Nearby, hanging gourds housed a thriving colony of Purple Martins.  An altogether pleasant event.

Every year the Florida Native Plant Society has an annual conference, usually in May.  The annual conference is just another reason to join the Florida Native Plant Society. We hope you can join us next year!